ablutions:

The washing or cleansing of the body, especially as part of a religious act. Also, the liquid used in the washing.

abound:

To be great in number or amount.

abstraction:

An idea or image which summarizes the important points by removing all but the most obvious or necessary characteristics.

accede:

To give one's consent. To come into a new position: accede to the throne.

accentuate:

To stress or emphasize.

accessibility:

Something/someone easily approached, entered, or obtained.

accouterments:

Additional items of dress or equipment. Also, items worn that refer to title or position: a crown and scepter are accoutrements of a queen or king.

acephalous:

Having no formal leader.

acolyte:

A devoted follower or attendant in a religious setting.

acoustic:

Designed to carry sound or to aid in hearing.

adages:

Sayings or expressions which express a general truth: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

adherence:

The carrying out of a plan or close following of an idea, rule, or law.

adjacent:

Close to or next to.

adjudications:

The hearing of and ruling on disputes.

adversity:

A state of hardship, difficulty or misfortune.

aerobically:

Intense exercise or activity.

aesthetic:

Concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste, as well as theories about the nature of art and artistic expression.

affinities:

Relationships by marriage; similarities or attractions between persons or things.

affinity:

Relationship by marriage; a similarity or attraction between persons or things.

affliction:

A condition or cause of pain, suffering, or distress.

afflictions:

Conditions of pain, suffering, or distress; also the causes of pain, suffering, or distress.

agency:

The means or condition of taking action.

allegiance:

Loyalty or the obligation of loyalty.

allude:

To make an indirect reference.

alludes:

Makes reference to someone or something in an indirect manner.

alluding:

Making reference to someone or something in an indirect manner.

allusions:

Indirect references to something.

alluvial:

Relating to the sediment deposited by flowing water, as in a riverbed, flood plain, or delta.

ambiance:

The mood created by a particular environment.

ambiance reigns:

A particular atmosphere/emotion that is felt more than any other.

ambiguity:

Something of doubtful meaning or uncertain interpretation.

ambivalent:

Uncertainty or indecisiveness. Having two opposing feelings towards something such as love and hate.

amorphous:

Lacking structure or shape.

amulet:

An object worn to protect against evil or injury.

analogous:

Similar or alike in such a way as to encourage a comparison.

ancestralization:

The process of creating an ancestor, as discussed in the previous screens.

anglophone:

An English-speaking person, especially one in a country where two or more languages are spoken.

anointed:

To apply a substance to someone/something especially during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration. Also, to be chosen by God.

anomalous:

Not following the normal or common order, form, or rule.

anomalous duality:

Having two-fold form or nature that does not follow the normal order, form, or rule.

anonymity:

Being unknown or unacknowledged.

anthropomorphic:

Of or relating to an object or animal which has human form.

anthropomorphized:

An object given human form.

apartheid:

An official policy of racial segregation.

apex:

The highest point.

apotropaic:

Designed to protect from evil.

apparition:

A sudden or unusual sight. Also, the act of appearing.

appeased:

Satisfied, calmed or soothed by the action of an individual.

appropriated:

Having taken possession of or made use of something, often without permission.

apt:

Having a natural tendency to do something. Also, exactly suitable for the occasion.

arabesque:

A complex, ornate design.

arbiter:

One chosen or appointed to judge or solve a problem between two or more people.

arcane:

Known or understood by only a few.

armature:

A framework or core supporting a larger structure like a mask or sculpture.

artifice:

Cleverness or skill. May suggest subtle deception or trickery.

asceticism:

Leading a life of self-discipline and self-denial, especially for spiritual improvement.

asexual:

Not clearly male or female; without gender.

assimilated:

Absorbed or incorporated into the culture.

attire:

Clothing.

attributed:

Related to a particular cause or source.

attributes:

Objects or ideas associated with a character, a personage, or an office.

auriferous:

Containing gold.

auspicious:

Favorable; a good opportunity for doing something.

axiomatic:

Something self-evident; obvious.

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